Is it time for oil change/filter?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,236
Go for it before you lose any more sleep.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 16,615
There are a few variables that come into the picture.
80% of engine wear takes place when the engine is started cold.
If many short trips with a lot of cold starts is the usual picture, a more frequent oil change schedule should be considered.
If most are highway trip miles ,at operating temperature, then an extended length mileage figure could be considered.
As mentioned today's oils ,if good quality synthetic are used , WITH AN OIL FILTER THAT IS MADE FOR SYNTHETIC OIL is used most times the extended mileage schedule can be used.
Of course frequent oil changes when not required can present problems if the person strips the drain plug, allows dirt to get into the oil or overfills the engine among other things.plus the addl cost, if really not required, doesn't help ..
80% of engine wear takes place when the engine is started cold.
If many short trips with a lot of cold starts is the usual picture, a more frequent oil change schedule should be considered.
If most are highway trip miles ,at operating temperature, then an extended length mileage figure could be considered.
As mentioned today's oils ,if good quality synthetic are used , WITH AN OIL FILTER THAT IS MADE FOR SYNTHETIC OIL is used most times the extended mileage schedule can be used.
Of course frequent oil changes when not required can present problems if the person strips the drain plug, allows dirt to get into the oil or overfills the engine among other things.plus the addl cost, if really not required, doesn't help ..
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 16,615
Usually around 15 minutes could be considered approx idle time.,,,,,,,,,except when waiting in some drive in lines !
Frequency of oil changes is important , but just as important is using a quality oil and filter.
Frequency of oil changes is important , but just as important is using a quality oil and filter.
Last edited by hanky; Jul 14, 2022 at 06:23 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,236
My belief is when in doubt, do. You are just talking an oil change not an engine overhaul. I would suggest having an analysis done on a sample of the old oil to learn the condition of your oil and create a baseline for future changes.
Last edited by raski; Jul 15, 2022 at 02:56 AM.
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 62
From: Sugar Land, Texas
How long is considered idle when it comes to oil change?
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 62
From: Sugar Land, Texas
Your oil life monitor takes all that into consideration. Someone else's opinion of what the level of extended idle is just that, an opinion, not based on any meaningful facts.
My belief is when in doubt, do. You are just talking an oil change not an engine overhaul. I would suggest having an analysis done on a sample of the old oil to learn the condition of your oil and create a baseline for future changes.
My belief is when in doubt, do. You are just talking an oil change not an engine overhaul. I would suggest having an analysis done on a sample of the old oil to learn the condition of your oil and create a baseline for future changes.